Blackmore Vale Lions 

Latest News & Events

DID YOU WONDER WHAT CYBER SECURITY IS ABOUT? WELL DON’T JUST SIT THERE COME AND FIND OUT

THE HUB STALBRIDGE AT 7.00 PM ON MON 1 JUNE 2026

Blackmore Vale Lions Club have arranged a short talk on cyber security scams etc by Dorset Police Cyber Crime Unit

Open to anyone either private or from a commercial organization

Doors open 18.45 event /hall hire runs until 20.30. There will be plenty of time for discussions/questions.

The Dorset Police Cyber Crime Unit can cover a range of critical topics, including:

  • Current cyber threats

  • Online, email, and telephone scams

  • Strong passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

  • Social media safety and Social Engineering

  • Ransomware

  • Data Breaches

 

Except for a small donation for refreshments and hall hire (probably £2.50) the event is free but space is limited so the first people who let Tim Otter know [07748090802 (voice or text) or tim.otter@lutra-associates.com] they want to come will get a place. Limited to one per company or family unless agreed otherwise. No animals except assistance animals. Once places are gone there are no more.

 

If there are any of the subjects above you particularly want addressed please let Tim know and he will pass on to the speaker.

Our latest press release (May 2026)

Charity number: 1019759 www. https://bvlions.yolasite.com/  Phone 0845 8337423

Blackmore Vale Lions Club

“We Serve”

The Whole of The Blackmore Vale


Blackmore Vale Lions Congratulate Caitlin Clark on her award of King’s Scout Recognition and Honour

Worldwide LIONS have eight central causes​. One is “Youth”.  We set out to support young people so they can; make positive choices, lead healthy and productive lives, and become the next generation of service leaders.

To achieve this Blackmore Vale Lions Club is always seeking to help organisations that help youngsters. One of those has for some years been 2nd Templecombe Scout Group. Caitlin Clark is a member. Amongst many things we have seen her do being part of an expedition to Iceland “The Land of Fire and Ice” and organise all the travel for the group on their recent trip to Australia stand out. 

Consider also countless hours helping younger scouts with their badge work, not to mention acquiring her own considerable collection, ​teaching camp craft and organising any one of a myriad of other events​ you can see Caitlin is an exceptional young person. From a Lions’ perspective helping organise the car park and finish area at the Blackmore Vale Half Marathon​ is greatly appreciated. 

All this deserves extra special recognition. So it was wonderful to attend the Group’s AGM recently to witness Caitlin be awarded her King’s Scout Badge and Certificate. Presented by Nicki Tanner - District Explorer Scout Commissioner- Caitlin has received the highest honour and recognition in the scouting system​available to 16-24 year olds.

She thoroughly deserves this recognition and the added bonus of  attending, by invitation of His Majesty King Charles III, the Scouts Day of Celebration and Achievement at Windsor Castle.​ His Majesty was away in the US on the State visit but she got to meet Chief Scout Dwayne Fields and Astronaut / former Army Major Tim Peake.​ Then in a rarely granted privilege the Scouts were allowed to parade their banner in the "Quadrangle". Real reward for Caitlin, quiet satisfaction for Blackmore Vale Lions, and pride in one of their own for all the leaders, organisers and members of 2nd Templecombe Scout Group.

Your Sincerely
Tim Otter
President
Blackmore Vale Lions Club.



Our latest press release: April 2026

Charity number: 1019759 www. https://bvlions.yolasite.com/  Phone 0845 8337423

Blackmore Vale Lions Club

“We Serve”

The Whole of The Blackmore Vale

Solos, Duets, Trios, Choirs, Audience Singing and Dance Routines!

Lions and Songbirds Lay On Sell Out Milborne Port Concert for Local Charities.

What an Evening, what a Show! Over a hundred people were treated to an evening of “Songs from the Musicals” by the Songbirds. Ranging from Edith Piaf’s haunting “La Vie en Rose” to the Andrews Sisters foot stomping “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” the Songbirds kept the songs, entertainment and variety coming.

The evening concluded with the choirs mixing with the audience and leading them in a sing song and then a “mass dance in”. Young people dancing as young people do and more experienced people matching them for enthusiasm, energy and remembering what it was like!

Blackmore Vale Lions assisted by Blackmore Vale Riding for the Disabled and The Rendezvous Sherborne laid on and administered the event to raise funds for charitable purposes to support local youngsters. The Songbirds generated happiness and memories. The profits from the evening will be shared by the three charities with less fortunate youngsters: the memories by everyone.

Image Captions;

Pauline Brown sings La Vie en Rose.
Packed Milborne Port Village Hall
The Raucous Chorus The Songbirds Midsize Choir
Rapt Attention from the Audience
The Duet

Our latest press release

Charity number: 1019759 www. https://bvlions.yolasite.com/  Phone 0845 8337423

Blackmore Vale Lions Club

“We Serve”

The Whole of The Blackmore Vale


Ho Ho  Ho, Father Christmas is coming to the Blackmore Vale.

He will be at The Hub Stalbridge on Saturday 13th Dec and Henstridge Village Hall on Saturday 20th Dec. His helpers will be collecting on the door at both locations. His Grotto will be open from 10.00-12.30 and 13.30-16.00. on both days.

Make Blowing the Christmas Cobwebs Away Your New Years Resolution.

Blackmore Vale Lions Club (BVLC) are delighted to confirm that the BVHM 26 has been registered with the athletics authorities and will take place on Sunday 1 February 2026 starting at 11.00 am at Bishops Caundle Recreation Ground (DT9 5NG). Race HQ is in the Village Hall, Holt Lane, Bishop’s Caundle on the other side of the A3060. The course is the usual one and we hope it stays dry this year! Our major charities this year are Prostate Cancer related but there will be other local good causes.

To enter go to the BVHM site www.https://bvlhm.yolasite.com/ and register online or by post. On line is much easier and helps us to organize the event. Alternatively you can go to https://englandathletics.sport80.com/public/wizard/e/30296/home which is even easier. The race limit is 450 and entries close at 14.00 on 30th Jan 2026 or once we have reached 450 runners, first come first served. You must be over 18 on 1 Feb 2026 to take part. There is also a 5¾ fun run which starts 10 minutes later.

BVLC always need help and new members to run this and any of our other activities. If you want to help please contact Tim Otter on 07748 090802 or  the contact form on either of the web sites: BVHM www.https://bvlhm.yolasite.com/ or  BVLC  https://bvlions.yolasite.com/ which have details. We would love to see you.

This event is both part of the Dorset Road Race League (DRRL) and the Dorset County Championships

 

Tombolas are us!

We always try to think just how the routine things LIONS do impact the public and their perception of us. This is part of a programme called Keep Lions In Plain Sight (KLIPS). Critically we often forget the impact we have on youngsters. We all know the impact of Father Christmas’ Sleigh but it a long time between Christmases so how to keep LIONS in the thoughts of young children and embed a positive perception of us in their ever fertile and active minds. KLIPS sets out to engage with youngsters whenever and however we can.

This summer, as ever, Blackmore Vale LIONS Club (BVLC) has run several tombolas at fetes big and small, school fun evenings and at large events such as the Wings and Wheels at Henstridge Airfield and the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival. At many of these events there is lots to do for the “grownups” and quite a lot for teenagers but for the under 10s not a huge amount. BVLC has set out to use KLIPS to rectify this and has deployed its tombola set all over the area at events of all sizes. Yes, sometimes we have used one to help with another activity but the smile on a face when a youngster picks out a toy, cuddly or otherwise, and marches off with their prize with a skip in their step is akin to the grin on the parents’ face for a bottle of whisky or champagne or expensive make up box. It’s a joy and to be treasured. We make some money, not a lot because Mum or Dad have to find the money for the tickets nor is it the aim, the youngsters enjoy themselves and the LIONS win a friend for life. It’s all about KLIPS and Worth Being a LION For.

The gallery below shows the following activities:

At Wings and Wheels over August bank Holiday Blackmore Vale Lions Club were able to present a cheque for £1750.00 to Diabetes UK, the proceeds of the rescheduled Blackmore Vale Half Marathon.

At Sturminster Newton Cheese festival on the second day it rained and rained. This youngster was able to draw the winning ticket for his ostrich in the dry watched by LION David Birt.

At Wings and Wheels this young lady concentrates on reading her ticket and then was as pleased as punch with her toy, the more colours the better, and Mum and Dad won too!

At Henstridge Village Fete Our Local MP Sarah Dyke took part and then joined the LIONS present at the event for a team photo.

At Sturminster Big Lunch this Young Tiger and her Granny won a Lion (Must have a word with the make-up artists!)

Catch them young! At the Big Lunch we were joined by our youngest supporter Rosie Donohoo (age 3 weeks) and her proud Mum and Dad, Esme (her grandfather Harry West was a Lion for over 50 years) and LION Sam

The calm before the storm. LIONS Ian Simpson and Bill Brown await the children being released from class at the William Barnes School Fun Afternoon.

Just for a change on a bitingly cold day Lion Julie Otter ran a Tombola last Christmas.


 

Preparing for the future with an eye to the Past

Here is a press release from Tim Otter, also published to Southwest Post with the illustration of the King’s German Legion.
To read the press release CLICK HERE

Blackmore Vale Half Marathion 2025 - Sponsor

We would like to give our thanks to Dike & Son, Vale Coaches, Lutra Associates, Stalbridge Building Supplies. Otter Garden Centre and Back2Market ltd for sponsoring our event this year. 

Service Recognised - Blackmore Vale Half Marathon 2025

Following from our Blackmore Vale half marathon this year, £1,750.00 has been donated to Diabetes UK. This donation will help carry out planned research into developing better care and treatment of people with diabetes., helping people with diabetes to manage their diabetes and improve their quality of life. We received a lovely letter and certification from Kirsty Willis on behalf of Diabetes UK.

BVLC international award for charitable giving 

Following Blackmore Vale Lions donating money towards outdoor musical instruments for Stalbridge Primary School we were invited to officially hand them over to the school. At the presentation a further cheque was presented for money collected at our annual Charter lunch when the Songbirds choir entertained us.  Pictured in the following photographs are classes 4 and 5 with the head of school Mr. Simon Elledge, Mrs. Becky Peckover-Mitchell, President Peter Oswick with Services Chair Lion Bill Brown and Lion Julie Otter listening to a short concert. Sheer Joy !!

 We attended this year's Cheese Festival in glorious weather. Our Lions bright yellow gazebo stood out in the crowd. Winners of all ages won prizes either our famous Lion's on Saturday or soft toys on Sunday. We also helped Rotary man one of the entrance gates.

  We are currently working with local schools for this years Peace Poster competition results will be announced in November. Here is an entry from last years competition.

The children from Stalbridge Primary School were extremely excited to receive a cheque from the Blackmore Vale Lions Club (BVLC) on Friday towards their outdoor musical instruments and teaching area. Following a request from the Head Teacher, Mr Simon Elledge, and the Governors, Staff, Parents and Children at Stalbridge Primary School BVLC have donated to the setting up of a music area being constructed in the woodland area in the grounds of the school.  The idea is to create an outdoor musical space where classes of children can make music using a wide variety of instruments which will be covered from the weather to preserve them for years to come!

 

Blackmore Vale Lions - fundraising, helping in the community

BVLC is gearing up for Christmas.  Sadly, our Father Christmas Float is still not available but we are taking steps to find a different way of bringing Father Christmas to his followers.

However our Christmas bucket collections continue and we are rolling out a Christmas collection programme at many of the main shops and venues in the Blackmore Vale. 

Can we take this chance to wish our fellow LIONS, their families and those they support a Merry Christmas and Peaceful New Year and successful 2024.

We sponsored 3 computers for Future Roots

They are an organisation that offers the opportunity for young people to utilise a rural environment to enhance their well-being and to reach their potential. 



We provided a number of local schools with a set of Wild Tribe books.

Blackmore Vale Lions Club contact details --- Email: bvlions@gmail.com --- 0345 833 7423 --- President Tim Otter: 07748090802